John Gatlin: To prevent a fire, stand by your pan

6:05 PM,
Oct. 8, 2013

John Gatlin

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John Gatlin
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How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house?

If this sounds familiar, you have run the risk of having a dangerous fire. As deputy chief and fire marshal of the city of Tallahassee Fire Department, I often talk to people about the ways they can stay safe in their homes. Too often, we have that talk after they've suffered a damaging fire.

It's my hope that you won't have to learn the hard way. If I could give just one fire warning, I'd say, "Keep an eye on what you fry!" ...